Michael Shenton pledges future to Castleford

Castleford captain Michael Shenton has signed a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2021.

The 32-year-old was due to be off-contract at the end of the season, but he has now put pen to paper on deal that will see him stay at the Tigers until at least the end of the 2021 campaign.

A former England international, Shenton recently marked his 300th appearance for hometown club Castleford and is just two tries away from his 150th for the club.

On his new deal, Shenton said: “This is the only club for me now.

“To see how the club has grown and to be a part of that has been one of the highlights and achievements of my career, watching us transform into a team that’s challenging and with the standards that we’ve set.

“The people that do come into the club from the outside are now impressed by what we do here.

“I’m pleased to be staying for another couple of years and I’m excited about the potential of this team in that time, but particularly this season. We’ve made a strong start to the year but it’s down to us to continue with that now.”

On Shenton’s new contract, Castleford director of rugby Jon Wells commented: “I am delighted that Michael has committed his future to the Tigers.

“He is one of the most professional and diligent athletes I have worked with in my time involved in rugby league and is one of a handful of individuals who we have built a team and a culture around here at Castleford.

“His influence on and off the field is hugely important for this club. He is what everyone should look for in a professional athlete who occupies space in the public eye – an outstanding character.”